Having a fence installed on your property is an investment, which could ultimately increase your property value, so you want to make sure that you are doing the job right. When choosing a fence, you want to make sure it’s the right one for your home, your family, and your lifestyle. Before committing to a new fence purchase, consider why you need the fence in the first place – do you require more privacy in your backyard? Do you need to prevent your dog (or kids) from getting out? Would you like more security for your home? There are many different varieties of fence on the market, and knowing what you are trying to achieve will help narrow down your search. Here are a few pointers on how to choose the perfect fence for your home:
Privacy from prying eyes
You may want a privacy fence for your backyard to keep prying neighbourly eyes away. If this is the case, you should consider a fence with little to no space between the boards or panels. Wood works best for this, and even a looser lattice design covered with some foliage or greenery would still work well and look pleasing to the eye. If you don’t feel like having a tall fence completely surrounding your yard, consider a stepped design that just provides privacy where you need it most.
Protection for your pets and kids
You may be worried about your dogs escaping from your backyard, so are looking for a fencing solution that will protect them by keeping them contained. The first thing to think about is your animals – are they jumpers or diggers? A shorter fence may be suitable for pets that are smaller, or unable to jump too high. If your pets like to dig, and you’re worried they’ll make a bid for freedom à la The Great Escape, then ensure that the fence is buried a considerable distance into the ground below. Chain link fences are popular for their durability but may not work in this instance as the gaps in the chain link provide easy handholds for children eager to climb. Instead, consider a wood or vinyl fence that is not easy to scale. The solid fence will also block visibility for any dogs that like to bark at the first sight of people or other animals.
Security measures
If you are looking to secure your home from unwanted visitors, consider a tall fence with a sturdy gate that has a secure lock. Not only will a tall fence deter intruders, but it will also make to difficult for potential burglars to perform any surveillance on your backyard. An effective security fence should also be flat and free of areas to grip at, making it difficult for intruders to climb.
Fence maintenance
One of the main factors to think about when choosing your fence is how easy it will be to maintain. Something to consider is the material of the fence – for instance, while wood is affordable and attractive, it requires the highest level of maintenance as it needs to be painted or stained every few years. However, if aesthetic and price is important to you, wood may be the best choice. There are many different types of wood to choose from! Fencemasters is on top of the green trend by supporting sustainable forestry and offering recycled products. An alternative to wood is vinyl. Vinyl is durable and strong and requires little to no upkeep. It does cost more upfront, but this is offset by the fact that it doesn’t incur any maintenance costs.
Still not sure what fence to choose? Our knowledgeable sales consultants can help you decide on the perfect fence for your backyard setting. We offer free onsite fence and deck estimates, with a 24 hour turnaround on our quotes, and we’re open 7 days a week! Contact us today to learn more.